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Al Waha
There are other Lebanese restaurants in London that are more glamorous, many that attract a more ritzy and high-powered crowd, and a handful with more enticing menus. But when it comes down to consistent culinary excellence, Al Waha has few serious challengers. A refit some 18 months ago smartened up the paintwork and reorganised the furniture to maximise the limited space; while it’s neat and pleasant, nothing really hints at the superlative quality of the food. Meze choices run to 50 or more: over the year we’ve probably sampled more than half, and have yet to be disappointed. Creamy houmous was spiced up with diamonds of crisp red pepper; labneh included half slices of cucumber and was sprinkled with diced mint; falafel took the form of crisp mini doughnuts, studded with sesame seeds and delivered with a small pot of tahina for dipping. Best of all was the skinkleesh, a salad of finely chopped tomato, onion and parsley, mixed with sharp and tangy crumbled cheese and doused with vinaigrette. Even the mains, a let-down in most Lebanese restaurants, were excellent here. Leave room for the baklava too, freshly made in-house each morning – one kind, in particular, a triangular pastry filled with cream, is bite-sized bliss – and enough on its own to guarantee a return visit.
Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2008
Services:
Booking: Booking advisable; essential dinner
Child facilities: Babies and children welcome (until 7pm): high chairs
Outdoor tables: 4, patio
Takeaway service: Takeaway service; Delivery service (over £20 within 3-mile radius)
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